• Full-time 5 years fixed term, with the possibility of conversion to a continuing position, contingent upon funding, located on the Mallett St Camperdown Campus at the Brain and Mind, School of Psychology
• Opportunity to make valuable contributions to research in brain ageing and dementia
• Base Salary Level C/D $138,645 p.a. - $183,911 p.a. + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

We are seeking to appoint a Senior Research Fellow/Associate Professor (Psychologist) to join the Healthy Brain Ageing Program and lead a complimentary program of research in the field of cognition and its association with modifiable dementia risk factors and Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Sharon Naismith. This position will be offered for an initial period of 5 years and may be converted to a continuing position contingent upon funding and the successful applicant meeting performance targets.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• lead a reputation of academic excellence in the area of healthy brain ageing, specifically within the fields of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, or Mild Cognitive Impairment
• make original and innovative contributions to the advancement of research and education within the discipline which are recognised as outstanding, nationally or internationally
• attract and train higher degree research students in the field of healthy brain ageing
• secure research funding to support the sustainability and promote the expansion of the Healthy Brain Ageing Program
• contribute to the leadership and operations of the Healthy Brain Ageing Program and Clinic
• contribute to the governance and activities of the University, School of Psychology, Brain and Mind Centre, and Charles Perkins Centre, where appropriate
• promote the profile of the Healthy Brain Ageing Program, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Psychology and University of Sydney and facilitate strategic collaborations and partnerships via national and international engagement and leadership with research, community and industry
• contribute to a positive workplace culture within the School aligned with the strategic direction of the University.

The Healthy Brain Ageing Senior Research Fellow / Associate Professor will be responsible for conducting research in the broad field of neuropsychology and ageing, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms and characteristics of modifiable risk factors that contribute to dementia, in testing and implementing novel interventions and in research translation. This role will provide academic input and leadership within the Healthy Brain Ageing program and for the associated Healthy Brain Ageing Clinic at the Brain and Mind Centre.

The School of Psychology was the first established Psychology department in Australia and is currently one of the largest and has a proud history of excellence that characterises all its research and educational activities. Sustained increases in research funding and strong enrolments have facilitated a rapid growth in our staffing and research profile. The Healthy Brain Ageing Program is a multidisciplinary program focused on understanding how modifiable risk factors contribute to preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment and vascular cognitive impairment. The program currently has national and international strengths in the fields of sleep, cognitive interventions, and mental health, and plays a national leadership role in health services research within the Australian Dementia Network. The Program has a well-established early intervention research clinic, which collects neuroimaging, neuropsychology, psychology, sleep and biofluid data, which are core to the Program’s activities and research. The program works across two of the Universities premier multidisciplinary initiatives, the Brain and Mind Centre and Charles Perkins Centre.

To learn more about the School of Psychology click here and the Healthy Brain Ageing Program click here.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Senior Research Fellow / Associate Professor (Psychologist) who has:

• a PhD in psychology or an equivalent higher research degree or clinical psychology/neuropsychology (e.g. doctorate)
• experience in conducting and publishing original research in the field of cognitive ageing
• an understanding of and ability to lead and support an academic endeavour from design to completion
• an outstanding national (senior research fellow) or international (associate professor) reputation in the field of brain ageing/dementia, as evidenced by the award of career fellowships, award and successful completion of competitive research grants as lead investigator, impactful publications, awards, and evidence of recognition within the broader research community
• experience supervising PhD students to completion
• a wide network of established relationships with key academic, industry and professional institutions, partners, and stakeholders that enhance the standing of the discipline
• experience with neuropsychological test administration and interpretation and/or within the sleep and dementia fields
• excellent interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills
• experience leading and/or supervising junior clinicians in a dementia/memory clinic is desirable
• experience with research management (e.g. knowledge of ethics and/or research governance requirements and processes; database management and monitoring; preparing and tracking budgets; etc.) is desirable
• experience and knowledge in Responsible Research Practice is desirable
• experience with dissemination of research findings to the community and/or media is desirable
• psychology registration with AHPRA is desirable
• experience in health policy is desirable
• experience in implementation science is desirable
• experience in people leadership within the higher education sector, including demonstrated success in supervising and/or mentoring others towards success is desirable.

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Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to Apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Simon Drew, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources at [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Research Fellow / Associate Professor - Psychologist enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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